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Preview: Capitol Hill Block Party – Day 2, Sat. 7/23

Capitol Hill Block Party‘s second day catches my eye as a day to spend mostly at Neumos. You’ll be just fine wherever else you end up, but check out who’s there. And ODESZA makes its presence known on the Hill with top billing at the Main Stage. Oh, and this might be a bit dorky of me to point out, but CHBP has some cool local store deals where if you spend a certain amount, you can get two free tickets to your day of choice. No one asked me to mention this. I just like a deal.

The charming hip hop artist Tilson XOXO has an early slot on Neumos’ stage this year. It’s wonderful to see this Seattle musician back in action (where has he been?), and I can only hope there will be more recordings from him – Tilson XOXO please do that. Refresher: If you can look back at Seattle’s Saturday Knights, Tilson XOXO was in the group.

The great Thunderpussy outside on Capitol Hill? Yes! Don’t accuse me of recommending this band based on name only. Thunderpussy is a rock band with a highly entertaining stage performance. Sasquatch also had Thunderpussy on its lineup this year.

Calling itself “pop rnb dance party” seems just right to me. I also nominate Bardot as one of the absolute must-see bands at Capitol Hill Block Party. A great combination including members of the Catch and the Lashes, Bardot is a lovable pop outfit.

Screens (a band I could say is one of the best examples of genre-defiance I’ve heard) takes you to the basement of Neumos, AKA Barboza. I could see Screens’ trippy character bothering you; however, the music is definitely challenging, and there’s a lot to take in and to enjoy.

Seattle rhythm and blues trio Duke Evers almost has its debut full-length album released! Called Velvet Hips, the band’s site says it’s coming soon. I don’t know when. I can say you’ll want to see their set at Neumos (when I saw Duke Evers at Capitol Hill Block Party 2014, the band was in Barboza – they’re moving up!). Formerly a duo, the guitarist and drummer recently added bassist Dune Butler. You’ll want to hear the difference live.

I’d wait to eat dinner after you see Steal Shit Do Drugs, not before. Why? SSDD gets a vote from me for band most likely to have a truly wild audience. I can imagine things getting broken. I hope that doesn’t scare you away from the set. SSDD is legitimate punk rock, post-punk or otherwise.

Electronic and catchy duo Sego gets the evening started at Neumos. This pair has the distinction of being the only band at Capitol Hill Block Party with an actual store of their own clothes, etc. I think. And I don’t mean Sego merchandise. I mean the guys’ stuff. I like this Los Angeles-based group.

Seattle’s Scott Yoder, who was the singer of local trio Pharmacy, has already hit the road in Europe and the States. Why do I say already? Because he only started releasing material last year. His debut EP, Looking Black In Blue, which got released an Italian label, is groovy with a capital G. Unrelated to his music, but nice fact: Yoder’s booking email is chooseyourownadventure@gmail.com.

Ah Bread & Butter. I always recommend the Rolling Stones-inspired Bread & Butter. The group’s web site promises the quartet will have a debut album in Autumn of 2016. On July 21st they’ll film a pool party video, so if you want part of that action head over to that site.

If you are at Capitol Hill Party on Saturday, chances are you’re seeing the extraordinary electronic duo ODESZA for sure anyway. Why am I even mentioning ODESZA will play the festival? Maybe, just maybe you don’t know the duo. Not likely. I’m such a fan I saw two of three of their Seattle shows. In a row. I would have seen the third if it had been possible.